Shopping starts at 50



24/11/2005

British men are discovering the joy of shopping later in life, outspending their female counterparts by 3.3 billion a year when they hit 50, according to new research from Direct Line Home Insurance.

Following the example of big spenders like Elton John, Britain's maturing men shell out 11.6 billion on sports equipment, clothes, MP3 players and digital cameras, compared with 8.3 billion3 spent by women of the same age.

These 'MOFS' (Male Over Fifty Spenders) are turning the traditional view that shopping is solely a female pastime on its head, as six in ten (57 per cent) of 50 plus men admit that they enjoy spending more than ever.

The Direct Line Home Insurance research shows that over half (51 per cent) shop for luxury items at least once a week, with a hardcore one in 20 MOFS hitting the high street every day.

Today's maturing men have a carefree attitude and see spending as a right rather than a privilege.

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Number who enjoy shopping as a leisure pursuit as they have more time
29
25
33
23
35
23
27



Number who splash out on sports cars etc to relive their younger years.
3
2
2
2
3
2
0





Notes - Research

The research was carried out online between 29th -3rd May 2005. YouGov interviewed a total of 2,032 UK adults aged 18 and above. Results were weighted to be representative of the UK population.

1Over-50s men spent 11,695,704,010 on goods in 2004 (see point 2). Over-50s women spent 8,337,091,613 on goods in 2004 (see point 3). Therefore, over-50s men spend 3.3 billion more than over-50s women.

2Total over-50 male population: 8,975,293. 83% of over 50s men bought goods in 2004 = 7,449,493. Average spend/year = 1570. Therefore total spend = 11,695,704,010.

2 Total over-50 female population: 10,624,559.76% of over 50s women have bought = 8,074,665. Average spend/year = 1032.5. total spend = 8,337,091,613.